New Program Lets Evacuees Leave In Style

by ANN Associate Editor James Aronovsky

Remember seeing all those lines of cars, trucks, and busses stuck on the freeways leading away from hurricane-panicked cities? Well, now with the help of general aviation (and a heaping helping of discretionary income) you can avoid all that and depart from any city the National Weather Service recommends you evacuate -- at 400 knots.

Helpjet, a company established in West Palm Beach, FL by Brian Rems of Galaxy Aviation, will take your $500 (per person) to register your family annually and will update you as the hurricane approaches. They'll call, email, text-message, or find you somehow -- and keep you posted on the impending storm.

If you decide to flee, just book passage on a Dornier 328 aircraft (the new jet version of the original turboprop) and tell them where you want to go for a little vacation jaunt to the resort of your choice.

Rems came up with the idea, according to the Associated Press, when he tried booking a commercial flight last year before Hurricane Wilma and couldn't find a seat. He ended up trying to drive, retreated from the gridlock, and endured the storm back at home.

Wendy Reid, charter manager for Helpjets, said that 15 families have already registered and she's received hundreds of inquiries. During the hurricane evacuation she says that there will be three charters a day going to Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville. Helpjets will also arrange all the hotel accommodations and ground transportation. You can even bring your pets.

Reid estimates that they can evacuate approximately a thousand people with their current fleet and are prepared to subcontract more aircraft if necessary. 

Brian Rems admits it's not for everyone, but points out the price (a little under $2000 round-trip) is equivalent to a first-class ticket. It also frees up commercial airline seats for those who plan to stay on their college buddy's couch instead of a four-star resort.

FMI: www.helpjet.us/